
On June 20, Osh State University welcomed a delegation from Michigan State University (MSU), USA, including Emeritus Professor Steven Pupke and Professor Jiaguo Qi, Director of the MSU Asia Center.
The guests met with Ruslan Arapbaev, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Elzarbek Esharov, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs, Maksat Totobaev, Head of the Rating Department, and Saykal Ibraimova, Director of the International Relations Department. During the meeting, both sides exchanged ideas on expanding academic and research cooperation.
Professor Jiaguo Qi proposed initiatives to strengthen international scientific collaboration through the Asia Center, including joint research on energy, food, and water security, co-authoring grant projects, and organizing large-scale international events. The two universities agreed to continue developing joint efforts in these areas. The MSU delegation will also explore Osh State University’s activities in education, research, and international engagement.
Michigan State University is among the top public universities in the United States, enrolling over 50,000 students across disciplines such as agriculture, engineering, medicine, ecology, and international relations. Its Asia Center plays a key role in building global academic partnerships by supporting collaborative research, securing joint funding, and attracting investments. Currently, 27 institutions from Central Eurasia and various regions of Asia are affiliated with the center, working together on challenges related to food, health, ecology, water, and energy.